As a child, Wanda Hollenbeck of Sutallee saw the impact that hospital volunteers could have on people.

Her parents spent a lot of time in hospitals when she was growing up in Iowa, as her father would take her mother in for dialysis treatments.

"The people who volunteered were so great to them," she said. "I saw what a great thing it was for my dad to have someone there to connect with him. They were like family."

As a child, she vowed that if she retired in good health, she would give back to her community, too.

Her work as a volunteer for Northside Hospital-Cherokee has earned her recognition as the Cherokee Families of Cherokee United in Service Volunteer of the Month for December.

Mrs. Hollenbeck, 72, volunteers in the ambulatory care unit of the hospital and helps train new volunteers. She is also assistant treasurer of the hospital's auxiliary organization for volunteers.

"She is a very integral part of our organization," auxiliary President Gail Billion said, adding that Mrs. Hollenbeck has held several positions with the organization, including president. "Her years of service have been worthwhile and beneficial to the hospital and the auxiliary."

Mrs. Hollenbeck, a retired executive secretary, found her volunteer calling when she saw a newspaper advertisement calling out for hospital volunteers. She began volunteering in January 1998.

"I really love it. It gives me so much pleasure," she said, estimating that she has volunteered about 8,000 hours at the hospital.

She and her husband, Wayne, have three children and five grandchildren and attend Canton First United Methodist Church.

There is room for more volunteers, she said, as the hospital always is looking for help.

"There is a real big need for golf cart drivers and people in the emergency room," she said. "It is incredible how many people come through this emergency department during the weekend."